Fortunes Of War Posted February 26, 2021 Share #1 Posted February 26, 2021 Paper weights were once commonly used by people to keep papers and other important items from blowing or falling off the desk. Like everyone else, the Japanese manufactured these in a variety of forms. Some were quite nicely made, while others were less costly, mass marketed and cheap. Many paper weights took the form of common military items and the themes were meant either for those in the military, former military, or simply to inspire patriotism on the home front. Here is one in the shape of a helmet, resting on pack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share #2 Posted February 27, 2021 As mentioned, there were all kinds of paper weights in varying sizes and styles. Here is another that is quite similar to the one previously shown above. It shows a soldier's backpack with a field cap resting on it. There is also a blanket roll, mess kit and shovel in the set-up. MikeB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 2, 2021 Author Share #3 Posted March 2, 2021 Continuing with the theme: here is another patriotic paper weight. This example takes the form of a helmet and flag. The helmet has the Japanese Army star on the front, while the flag is decorated with colorful paints. MikeB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted March 2, 2021 Share #4 Posted March 2, 2021 Mike- Those are some great paperweights. I am a bit ashamed to actually show some of the ones we have as they are nowhere's near as cool...... First is a pre-war Aircraft radial engine with a compass set in the hub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted March 2, 2021 Share #5 Posted March 2, 2021 Here is another that is really plain but kind of cool in that it is an officers pre-war cap badge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wake1941 Posted March 3, 2021 Share #6 Posted March 3, 2021 Very cool paper weights, never saw one before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SARGE Posted March 3, 2021 Share #7 Posted March 3, 2021 15 hours ago, vintageproductions said: Here is another that is really plain but kind of cool in that it is an officers pre-war cap badge. This is actually a Police insignia. The Army dress cap insignia has eight points where the Police cap insignia has five points in their typical configuration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 3, 2021 Author Share #8 Posted March 3, 2021 Sarge- Good pick-up on that; I hadn't noticed the difference either! Bob- There seemed to be paper weights to go with anyone's interest or budget. The one you have with the compass is interesting as it has two functions; the compass tells you from what direction the wind is blowing, and the paper weight keeps the documents from blowing away!!! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 3, 2021 Author Share #9 Posted March 3, 2021 This is a red painted paper weight in the shape of a Japanese Army helmet. The star and numbers along the rim are painted in gold. People have been asking me about the cost of these patriotic collectibles. Honestly, the answer is that it depends on the item and how badly the buyer wants it. Many of these sell for under $50.00, while some of the more elaborate ones can cost $100.00 or more. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted March 3, 2021 Share #10 Posted March 3, 2021 Here is a glazed ceramic aircraft radial engine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted March 3, 2021 Share #11 Posted March 3, 2021 One of the China Front KIA / Memorial Cavalry paperweights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 3, 2021 Author Share #12 Posted March 3, 2021 Wow, Bob! I really like the one with the aircraft radial engine. It has interesting detail... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 3, 2021 Author Share #13 Posted March 3, 2021 Here is a heavy, nickel plated paper weight of a battleship, riding the waves. The underside is covered in green felt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted March 5, 2021 Share #14 Posted March 5, 2021 This is a small glazed ceramic paperweight. It's medical related but have lost the translation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted March 5, 2021 Share #15 Posted March 5, 2021 Here is a small metal bomber and warship related paperweight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 5, 2021 Author Share #16 Posted March 5, 2021 Bob- I really like the paperweight that you posted in #15. I would say that's my favorite so far. Are there any kanji characters on that one, top or bottom? Is the bottom covered in anything? Or Is it bare metal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 6, 2021 Author Share #17 Posted March 6, 2021 This paper weight not only uses a Japanese Army Steel Helmet, but it also incorporates a training rifle (possibly a light machine gun). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 9, 2021 Author Share #18 Posted March 9, 2021 Going along with the paper weight listed previously is this example that shows an army helmet, propped on top of what looks like an aircraft bomb. It is similar in size to the above, as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 9, 2021 Author Share #19 Posted March 9, 2021 This cast metal paperweight shows a Japanese soldier, manning his heavy machine gun. He is shown wearing his steel helmet, pack and bayonet at his side. The second image shows the semi-hollow nature of the casting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted March 10, 2021 Share #20 Posted March 10, 2021 Mike- The bottom of the ship and plane is hollow and is numbered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vintageproductions Posted March 10, 2021 Share #21 Posted March 10, 2021 Your metal helmet and rifle remind me of some of the ceramic chop stick rests we have found. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 11, 2021 Author Share #22 Posted March 11, 2021 Bob- Thank you for showing the underside of your paperweight. Interesting that it is numbered. I agree with you on the chopstick holder; I think this was a popular combination of items within the patriotic theme. It appeared in a variety of places, including postcards and other forms of art. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 11, 2021 Author Share #23 Posted March 11, 2021 Here is another paperweight for discussion. This one took the shape of a popular theme: samurai armor/helmets. The helmet or kabuto, sits on top of a fan, covered in cherry blossoms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 12, 2021 Author Share #24 Posted March 12, 2021 Here is paperweight in the shape of a Japanese steel helmet. It has the IJN insignia on it (anchor and cherry blossom) "navy" rayed battle flag and a ship's life preserver ring. It's made out of a polished metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fortunes Of War Posted March 13, 2021 Author Share #25 Posted March 13, 2021 This is a combination paperweight and ink well. The base of the piece was made into the shape of an aircraft's wings, while the top portion takes the shape of a leather flight helmet with goggles. You can see the imperial Japanese "national" flag on the left-hand side and the battle flag on the right. This one is quite detailed and colorful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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